The Netherlands is located in Western Europe, and is bordered on the north and west by the North Sea, by Belgium to the South, and by Germany to the east. The Netherlands is often called Holland, despite the fact that North and South Holland are only two of the country’s twelve provinces. The capital and most populated city is Amsterdam. With a population of over 16 million, and a total area of just over 16 thousand square miles, the country is densely populated. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, although many people speak various languages, such as English, French and German. Despite traditional values, this country is known for its liberal policies toward recreational drugs, prostitution, homosexuality, abortion, and euthanasia.

The Netherlands is a remarkably flat country, with the only hills found in certain areas of the land. Half of the landmass is endangered by the North Sea, but the country has profited from this problem by building the world’s second biggest port in Rotterdam. Because of the country’s placement, it is susceptible to unsettled weather. The climate is temperate and fairly rainy. Winters and summers are both very mild, with maximum temperatures averaging 63 degrees in summer, and minimum temperatures at 35 degrees. Because of the abundance of Dutch landscape painters, it is well-known that the Dutch sky is rarely clear, and on any average day three-fifths of the sky is cloud-covered. There are only roughly 25 clear days per year in the Netherlands.

When it isn’t raining, take part in any number of activities in this lovely country. Around 15 million Dutch people regularly travel by bicycle, which gives this country the nickname the land of bicycles. This is because of the relatively short distance between cities, and because the country is relatively flat. So do as the locals do; grab a bike and explore. You can also take part in any number of outdoor sports. In winter, use clear days as an opportunity to go ice skating.

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, has been a center for the diamond industry for over four hundred years. It is also home to 160 canals and over 1200 bridges.

The Dutch are famous for their dairy products, especially their cheeses. The majority of Dutch cheeses are semi-hard or hard, and typical Dutch production involves blending herbs and spices during the early stages. Famous Dutch cheeses are: Gouda, Edam and Leyden.

They are also famous for their folklore. The cultural life in the Netherlands is varied and lively. Some of the world’s most renowned painters have hailed from this country, and Dutch paintings and crafts are celebrated worldwide. Some famous painters of Dutch origin include Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Traditionally, it is seen as the land of windmills, tulips and wooden shoes. Windmills are linked with the Netherlands because of their historical use as an energy source. The tallest windmills in the world are located near Rotterdam.

Tourism is an important industry to the Netherlands, receiving roughly 10 million visitors annually from across the globe. Aside from Amsterdam’s red light district and cannabis cafes, the city is also rich with history and culture, with attractions like the Van Gogh museum, the national museum called Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House Museum and Anne Frank House.

Another important tourist destination is the Hague, where the royal seat and parliament are found. It is the Netherlands’ third largest city, and is home to beaches and a bustling downtown, as well as Madurodam miniature city. Built in 1952, it is a model of a Dutch town on a small scale, composed of typical Dutch buildings and landmarks, as can be found at various locations in the country.